Advanced tech now can cut cost, usage of energy

Fast-changing technologies now can help cut both cost and usage of energy, experts at a national campaign showed the solution to a growing fuel crisis in Bangladesh.
The campaign entitled 'Responsible Use of Electricity' was launched Sunday to promote efficient use of available energy at affordable costs-at a time when reports say mills, factories and households face the problem of gas and power crises.
Bangladesh Solar and Renewable Energy Association (BSREA) and the Forum for Energy Reporters Bangladesh (FERB) jointly launched the campaign at a function at the CIRDAP auditorium in Dhaka.
Inaugurating the campaign as the chief guest, Prime Minister's Adviser on Energy Affairs Dr Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury underscored the urgency of responsible use of electricity through the use of advanced technologies and change in behavioral pattern of stakeholders.
He said the private sector would have to take the lead in the campaign while the government would promote it.
The function was divided into two sessions, and state minister for the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR) Nasrul Hamid was the chief guest at the second session.
He said the issue of energy saving should be incorporated into the National Building Code (NBC) to enforce a legal binding on the electricity consumers.
"It would be almost impossible to ensure responsible use of electricity if it was not incorporated into the NBC," he told the function.
The minister mentioned that the world is moving towards new technology-based electricity where renewable energy will dominate the energy sector.
Mr Hamid noted that technology is advancing so fast with new innovations.
Now the developed world is reducing their electricity consumption through adopting new technologies.
He also asked the power-distribution companies to introduce new technologies to ensure responsible use of electricity by their consumers.
He also advised the stakeholders in the energy and power sector to use the effective communications mechanism like social media to reach their call to the target group of society.
The function was also addressed, among others, by power secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus, Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) chairman Khaled Mahmood, Rural Electrification Board (REB) chairman Major-General (retd) Moin Uddin, Solar and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA) chairman Helal Uddin, Power Cell director-general Mohammad Hossain, BSREA president Dipal C Barua and FERB chairman Arun Karmaker.

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